Indonesia invites India to Asean meet

Indonesia today invited India to attend the special Asean summit in Jakarta on January 6 to discuss the aftermath of Asia's devastating natural disaster.

The invitation was extended by Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda when he spoke to External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today.

"The invitation has been received and it is under active consideration," ministry spokes man Navtej Sarna told reporters when asked if Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be attending the summit.

In all, 23 countries, including the 10 member states of the association of southeast Asian nations and four major international organisations, have been invited.

The invitees include the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand besides United Nations secretary general, representatives from the World Bank, ADB, European Union and European Commission.

Singh conveyed India's deep concern over the huge loss of life and property in Indonesia.

While an Indian naval hospital ship is expected to reach Aceh on January 2, INS Kukri will be leaving today from Chennai for Indonesia carrying tents, blankets, emergency food and rations and medicines. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also called Natwar Singh and expressed concern and condolences over the loss of life and property in the tsunami disaster.

The ambassadors from India, Japan and Australia based in Washington joined a teleconference with US Under Secretary Marc Grossman and UN relief coordinator Englang to discuss various aspects of the relief and rehabilitation steps being undertaken.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell and World Bank President James Wolfensohn were also present. An international conference will held on January 6 which will be followed by a donors' pledging conference in Geneva on January 11.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said the core group could explore the possibility of setting up on an urgent basis an early warning system in tsunami-affected areas as lack of information was leading to avoidable anxiety, panic and stress.

Both the US and Australia promised to look into this, the spokesman said. India has asked its defence attache in Bangkok to be in touch with UN representatives to coordinate relief efforts.

India has pledged a composite package assistance of half a million dollars for Thailand.